Flood damage to your home and belongings is covered under Bharat Griha Raksha, the standard home insurance policy that every general insurer in India has had to offer since 1 April 2021 under IRDAI rules. Its listed perils include storms, cyclones and floods, and it automatically covers household contents at 20 per cent of the building’s sum insured, up to ₹10 lakh, according to the product page of one insurer.
The northeast monsoon set in over Tamil Nadu on 15 October, so this is the season when a policy matters. Here is what home insurance covers, how apartment owners are placed, and how to claim.
What Bharat Griha Raksha covers
The policy is a standard product, which means the core wording is the same whichever insurer sells it. Insurers set their own premiums, and several also sell optional add-ons. Main cover as listed by the insurer:
- Natural perils: storm, tempest, cyclone, flood, tsunami and earthquake.
- Fire and explosion, including forest or bush fire.
- Man-made events: strikes, riots, vandalism and terrorism.
- Impact damage from a falling tree, hoarding or lamp post, which is common in Chennai cyclones.
- Bursting or overflowing of water tanks and pipes.
- Theft and burglary.
- Contents: automatic cover at 20 per cent of the building sum insured, capped at ₹10 lakh, with higher cover available if you list items.
- Rent: alternative accommodation if the home becomes unlivable, within policy limits.
The insurer’s page lists exclusions including wilful damage, war, unlisted jewellery and precious stones, and electronic items damaged by short circuits or electrical over-pressure. Read the policy wording for the full list.
Apartments: who insures what
In a Chennai apartment block, the structure is shared. Under Section 14 of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022, the association must insure the building against fire, flood, cyclone and other hazards if a majority of owners want it, and the premium is a common expense, as the Act’s text sets out. The policy is taken in the association’s name as trustee for all owners. Each owner may still insure their own flat and contents separately.
For ground-floor flats in places like Velachery, Mudichur or Pallikaranai, where stilt parking and lower units flooded in recent years, contents cover often matters more than the structure. A first-floor flat may need only contents cover, while the association handles the building.
Before the water rises
- Photograph or video every room, appliance and the car parking area, with dates. This is your proof of condition.
- Keep invoices for major appliances and furniture, or photos of them, in cloud storage.
- Store the policy number and the insurer’s claims helpline on your phone and with a relative.
- Move documents, electronics and valuables to a higher shelf when IMD issues an orange or red alert.
Making a flood claim
- Tell the insurer immediately. Call the claims number or use the app, and get a claim reference. Late intimation is a common reason for disputes.
- Do not throw out damaged items until the surveyor has seen them, unless they are a health hazard. If you must, photograph them first.
- Prevent further damage. Switch off the mains, move what you can, and keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
- Meet the surveyor. After a large flood, insurers appoint surveyors for an area, so there may be a wait. Show photos, invoices and the water line on walls.
- Submit documents: claim form, policy copy, photos, bills or estimates for repair, and ID and bank details for settlement.
- Read the settlement letter carefully, checking any deduction for depreciation or the policy excess.
If the insurer rejects or delays
Complain in writing to the insurer’s grievance officer first. If that does not resolve it, register a complaint on IRDAI’s Bima Bharosa portal, which does not charge or ask for any payment. You can also approach the Insurance Ombudsman if the insurer does not reply within a month or you are unhappy with its answer, within one year of that reply, for claims up to ₹50 lakh, according to the Council for Insurance Ombudsmen. The service is free.
The Chennai Ombudsman’s office covers Tamil Nadu, Puducherry town and Karaikal. It is at Fatima Akhtar Court, 4th Floor, 453 Anna Salai, Teynampet, phone 044-24333668, email oio.chennai@cioins.co.in, as listed on the Council’s offices page.
Quick answers
Does home insurance cover flood damage in Chennai?
Yes. Bharat Griha Raksha lists flood, storm and cyclone among its covered perils.
Are my contents covered automatically?
Up to 20 per cent of the building sum insured, capped at ₹10 lakh, under the standard policy.
Who insures an apartment building?
The association, if a majority of owners require it; owners can insure their own flats too.
Where do I complain about a rejected claim?
To the insurer first, then Bima Bharosa or the Chennai Insurance Ombudsman.
This is general information, not financial advice; read your policy wording before buying.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
